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Milestones Marking the Growth and Success of Champion Laboratories, Inc.

Logo from 1936

Logo from the 1950s

Logo from 1974

Logo from 1978

Logo from 1998

Logo from 2005

Logo from 2009

Logo today

1936 - Luber-finer® begins operation from a Los Angeles garage offering oil filters for passenger cars. Early success leads to a demand for truck applications and the development of the Luber-finer® 750 bypass filter.

1955 - Kleen Pak Manufacturing Company is relocated to West Salem, IL. Howard Gaither is elected president of the company.

1956 - Pyroil purchases Kleen Pak.

1959 - Champion Laboratories patents the engine-end relief valve for spin-on oil filters, a major innovation in the industry.

1964 - Tom Mowatt joins the company and works alongside Howard Gaither.

2002 - Champion Laboratories, manufacturer of Luber-finer® Filters, announces a $38 million investment in expansion of the Illinois and South Carolina facilities, including a 50,000 sq. ft. expansion of the Illinois facilities and new production equipment in both Illinois and South Carolina.

2003 - Champion Laboratories, along with five other United Industrial Syndicate companies are purchased by The Carlyle Group. United Components, Inc. was formed by Carlyle to manage and grow the company.

2016 - Luber-finer® renews its commitment to empowering fleet managers, and those who support and service them, by launching Luber-finer® University, a comprehensive interactive training and learning portal.